How To Use CPT Code 62269

CPT 62269 describes the percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 62269?

CPT 62269 is used to describe the percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord. This procedure involves the insertion of a needle into the spinal cord to collect a sample of tissue for testing. It is performed by a healthcare provider to determine the behavior of a lesion. The provider will anesthetize the area, insert a biopsy needle, collect tissue or blood samples, and then withdraw the needle. Imaging guidance may be used to assist with needle placement. After the procedure, the provider will dress the wound.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62269 is: ‘Biopsy of spinal cord, percutaneous needle.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider will anesthetize the area of the spinal cord that needs to be biopsied.
2. A biopsy needle will be inserted into the spinal cord to collect a sample of tissue or blood.
3. The provider will withdraw the needle after the sample has been collected.
4. Imaging guidance may be used to assist with needle placement and visualization of the procedure.
5. After the procedure, the provider will dress the wound to promote healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62269 is performed when there is a need to test tissue of a lesion in the spinal cord to determine its behavior. This procedure is typically done for diagnostic purposes and may be performed by a variety of healthcare providers. It is important to note that radiological supervision and interpretation should be reported separately, and fine needle aspiration biopsy has its own set of codes.

5. When to use CPT code 62269

CPT code 62269 should be used when a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord is performed. It is important to ensure that the procedure is accurately documented and meets the criteria for this specific code. It is not appropriate to use this code for other types of biopsies or procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 62269, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the biopsy and the specific lesion being tested
• Details of the procedure, including the use of anesthesia and imaging guidance
• Description of the tissue or blood samples collected
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the biopsy

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 62269, it is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of this specific code. It should not be reported with codes for radiological supervision and interpretation or fine needle aspiration biopsy. It is also important to report any imaging guidance separately. It is recommended to review the specific billing guidelines and requirements of the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 62269 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A neurosurgeon performing a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord to test tissue from a suspected tumor.
2. An interventional radiologist using imaging guidance to perform a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord to diagnose a patient with a spinal cord lesion.
3. A neurologist performing a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord to collect a sample for genetic testing in a patient with a suspected genetic disorder.
4. An oncologist performing a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord to determine the type and stage of cancer in a patient with metastatic disease.
5. A neurosurgeon performing a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord to evaluate the response to treatment in a patient with a known spinal cord lesion.
6. An interventional radiologist using fluoroscopic guidance to perform a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord to diagnose a patient with a suspected infection.
7. A neurologist performing a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord to collect cerebrospinal fluid for analysis in a patient with suspected meningitis.
8. An oncologist performing a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord to assess the presence of residual tumor in a patient who has undergone radiation therapy.
9. A neurosurgeon performing a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord to investigate the cause of neurological symptoms in a patient with an undiagnosed condition.
10. An interventional radiologist using magnetic resonance imaging guidance to perform a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord to diagnose a patient with a suspected demyelinating disorder.